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Can someone explain to me why : Accupahse Equipment is that expensive ?

…….I was recently looking into their Power Conditioners as well as their Amplifiers and for a company where there is very little reviews done on their products, along with a small ( here in the US anyway )  almost a cult following if someone could tell me why is their prices the way they are. I just don't understand it. I have listened to their equipment and is nice and the build quality is very good but ; I always said to myself ; '' Not for that price ". I do not mean to be in an any way inflammatory with this statement but is :  Accuphase the McIntosh of the East ?  McIntosh makes some nice stuff but is no way priced like Accuphase, however it seems to operate very much with the same business model ; you are paying for the name and the pride of ownership and the sound is very much dated. Maybe I am missing something here and the sound is very good and like Rolex you buy a piece and you are set for a lifetime. FM Acoustics is also another one of the those companies......Just looking for a really good amp and these companies come up in my search but I am just sitting here scratching my head ?           
garebear
erik_squires
17,569 posts
 
@d2girls

I am so sorry you ran into this level of snobbery. I’m afraid that’s part of the luxury brand attitude in the US. I remember going to buy a Volvo or an Audi. Similar cars, and price points. The Volvo dealer spent most of his time on his cell phone.

I would like to say that Luxman dealers are not like this, but it has been 50 / 50. One was very laid back, happy to show me anything from D’Agostinos to Luxman or Rogue. No problem. Another, within driving distance, was a douche at a show.

I have a really tough time buying Accuphase at US prices, given the disparity with Japanese prices.

If I’m not mistaken, Luxman was doing the same thing, which was driven due to the US distributor wanting to keep an air or exclusivity, so they kicked him out and started their own distributorship, at the same time they have ramped up new product introductions. It seems to be working out much better for them. You should listen, since in Japan they are about the same price point.

Best,


E
erik_squires
17,569 posts
 
I also want to point out a weird thing I've seen often in different industries. A good example is vitamins. I used to subscribe to Consumer Labs. They would buy all sorts of supplements and test their quality.

Invariably, the most expensive brands were among the worst. They would have too much, too little, or contaminated products.

The middle of the road brands often had the highest quality with labels that best matched the contents.

I've seen this repeatedly. When people don't have good ears, they use their eyes and the price tag to shop.

Best,

E
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
The best CD player I ever owned was an Accuphase. I wish I never sold it. 
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Hello

I owned Accuphase, 20 plus years ago. This one is a no brainer.
Simply one of the best products on the market. The dealers usually are not to nice. I needed a light package upgrade, the dealer was gonna charge me 400.00 for a 20.00 light and a 15 min install. Guy was on CRACK for sure.. I ordered the light packet, kit from Japan, with everything including instructions in English, 40.00 USD.
I bought mine from a guy stationed in Japan, and brought it to the US, Killer deal.
The only product I ever regretted selling.. .
I paid 3,000.00 or close and sold it for over 8,000.00.
Should have never sold it..Friggin medical bill. Oh well..

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
stereo53,570 posts06-30-2018 5:41pm@roxy54...……………………………

Experts or not, after 50 years in this hobby, nothing has drawn me in closer to the music than McIntosh. There is a rightness to the sound that I didn't get with other comparatively priced equipment.. For the first time in years, I look forward to listening to my 2 systems and I am now buying new music again. There is also a pride of ownership with the McIntosh that is hard to describe.
stereo5  there may be better, I haven't heard it. As good, a little different,
better, NO. Everytime I hear read or see the Mac Attackers, I just chuckle.

I've owned them forever, VTLs, CJ, Pass (Real Pass fan), First Watt,
Accuphase (only one I regretted selling).
Few people have ever heard a good vintage Mcintosh, built RIGHT and really sweetened, up. They are just breathtaking. I LOVE the C20s, ESPECIALLY when a guy by the name of Mike Samra rebuilds it. I had him do a C11 and a C20. HOLY COW... .5 THD to .05. DEAD quiet.
C2500 wonderful, MX120, MX150, Mx110z (very special sound to) different than ALL the preamps Mac made. Their Valve amps, get out of here... The best. simple .. the best. I have every one x 2 lol.. OCD, really gets to kickin' when it comes to Mac.. LOL NONE of their SS amps, sold them all..

BIG Watts,  VTL Man oh man, make my planar systems sing, with a little TLC..

Regards
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